Abstract:
For implanting a therapeutic element, this needle assembly comprises a cannula having a sharpened distal end, a line of elements in the cannula extending rearward from the distal end. Yieldable positioner positions the element more proximate the distal end a predetermined distance from the distal end. The positioner may be in various forms including an end plug, a tab in the cannula and a distortion of the wall of the cannula. A stylet is reciprocable in the cannula and engages the end of the line of elements more remote from the distal end of the cannula.
Abstract:
Balloon assemblies are selectively mountable to a brachytherapy applicator, such as a tandem and ring applicator. The balloon assembly may include a balloon, an inflation port configured to selectively introduce and remove inflation fluid from an interior of the balloon, and a clamp assembly configured to support the balloon and to selectively mount the balloon assembly to the brachytherapy applicator.
Abstract:
An apparatus for providing at least one treatment to at least one tissue having a first structural arrangement configured to expand a first portion at a distal end of the apparatus, a second structural arrangement configured to expand a second portion at the distal end and at least one lumen associated with at least one of the first structural arrangement and/or the second structural arrangement. The first structural arrangement and/or the second structural arrangement can be configured to position the at least one lumen at a particular position with respect to the tissue. A tip is configured to aid in the insertion of the apparatus into the tissue(s).
Abstract:
In one embodiment an applicator includes a needle receiver adapted to be removably mateable with a needle positioned at the surgical site, a housing adapted to receive a push rod, and a clip for receiving one or more implants, the clip having a plurality of ports adapted to bridge the needle receiver and the housing so that the needle receiver can receive the push rod, wherein the clip can be rotatably repositioned so that the plurality of ports can selectively bridge the needle receiver and the housing. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.
Abstract:
Therapeutic members and strands for use in brachytherapy are designed to reduce the tendency for the members and strands (and thus the radioactive sources, thermal ablation implants and/or radiopaque makers, etc. therein) to migrate and/or rotate within a patient's body. In one embodiment a member includes a radioactive source and a material that encapsulates the radioactive source. Such encapsulating material, which is preferably, but not necessarily, bioabsorbable, is likely polymeric or some other plastic material. An outer surface of the encapsulating material includes at least one protrusion, and preferably a plurality of protrusions, to reduce the tendency of the member to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation. Other embodiments are also provided.
Abstract:
In one embodiment an applicator includes a needle receiver adapted to be removably mateable with a needle positioned at the surgical site, a housing adapted to receive a push rod, and a clip for receiving one or more implants, the clip having a plurality of ports adapted to bridge the needle receiver and the housing so that the needle receiver can receive the push rod, wherein the clip can be rotatably repositioned so that the plurality of ports can selectively bridge the needle receiver and the housing. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.
Abstract:
A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy having a substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated member (12) carrying radioactive seeds (14).
Abstract:
A system and method for making radiation therapy seed strands (422) comprises extruding an elongate hollow member (440) with a bore and inserting radioactive seed elements (408) into the bore.
Abstract:
A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands at the patient's bedside. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.